PSC vs. SMLF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) and SMLF (iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - PSC tracks the Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index while SMLF tracks the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSC returned 8.06%/yr vs 10.89%/yr for SMLF. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for SMLF.

Performance

PSC vs. SMLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PSC having a 13.84% return and SMLF slightly higher at 14.46%.

PSC

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 13.84%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 18.36%
• 5Y*: 8.06%
• 10Y*: —

SMLF

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.07%
• YTD: 14.46%
• 6M: 14.20%
• 1Y: 30.98%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 10.89%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PSC vs. SMLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	13.84%	13.41%	12.38%	18.51%	-15.91%	32.56%	13.30%	18.99%	-11.35%	15.93%
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	14.46%	12.30%	16.33%	19.99%	-12.19%	26.53%	8.38%	21.56%	-8.42%	12.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PSC and SMLF is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.86

The correlation between PSC and SMLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSC vs. SMLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSC	SMLF
Technology	20.3%	16.6%
Industrials	17.7%	19.8%
Financial Services	16.5%	15.0%
Healthcare	15.3%	12.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	11.8%
Energy	6.0%	4.8%
Real Estate	4.6%	5.7%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.6%
Utilities	2.9%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	3.7%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.2%

Return for Risk

PSC vs. SMLF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 46
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 55

SMLF

SMLF Risk / Return Rank: 58
SMLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SMLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SMLF Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SMLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SMLF Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PSC vs. SMLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	PSC	SMLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.81	-0.35
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.56	-0.42
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.31	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	3.57	-0.83
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.55	12.27	-2.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSC vs. SMLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the SMLF Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSC and SMLF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSC	SMLF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	1.81	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.52	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.54	-0.04

Drawdowns

PSC vs. SMLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSC drawdown since its inception was -46.69%, which is greater than SMLF's maximum drawdown of -41.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSC and SMLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSC	SMLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.69%	-41.89%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.95%	-8.71%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	-26.28%	+2.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	-26.28%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-0.72%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.28%	-6.60%	-1.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.53%	+0.32%

Volatility

PSC vs. SMLF - Volatility Comparison

Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (SMLF) have volatilities of 4.93% and 4.80%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSC	SMLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	4.80%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.77%	12.31%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.65%	17.21%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	21.09%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.30%	21.78%	+1.52%

PSC vs. SMLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than SMLF's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSC vs. SMLF - Dividend Comparison

PSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than SMLF's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.58%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%	0.00%
SMLF iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	1.03%	1.14%	1.33%	1.13%	1.23%	1.07%	1.33%	1.39%	1.17%	0.93%	0.78%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSC and SMLF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PSC and SMLF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PSC or SMLF?

PSC has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to SMLF (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSC dropped -46.69% vs SMLF's -41.89%.

Which ETF is better, PSC or SMLF?

On 5-year performance, SMLF leads with 10.89% vs 8.06% for PSC. On fees, SMLF is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SMLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSC or SMLF?

Over the 5-year period, SMLF has performed better with a 10.89% return vs 8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSC or SMLF?

SMLF is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for PSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSC or SMLF?

SMLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.58% for PSC.

What is the main difference between PSC and SMLF?

PSC tracks Nasdaq US Small Cap Select Leaders TR Index, while SMLF tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multi-Factor. They also come from different issuers: Principal and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for PSC and 0.30% for SMLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.